DROWNING ACCIDENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24738, 15 October 1941, Page 4

DROWNING ACCIDENTS

The number of accidental drownings in New Zealand is illustrated in a striking way in an analysis prepared by the authorities controlling organised swimming and life-saving activities. We are frequently and painfully reminded of the toll of life on the roads. The fact that over the last ten years more lives have been lost through drowning than in motor accidents may surprise the public. Certainly it is not a little disturbing. Perhaps even more than in road fatalities the element of recklessness, of disregard of reasonable precaution, must enter into drowning fatalities. This is to be deduced hot only from bathing accidents, but also from the higher number of lives lost in boating mishaps. With long stretches of coastline inviting the swimmer, but often presenting dangers even to the most proficient, it would be impossible to guard absolutely against the occurrence of surf-bathing accidents. Beach patrols, and swimming instruction, particularly for school children, can keep the needless loss of life to a minimurrf. , Boating fatalities can also be reduced through more general tuition in swimming. The person who has knowledge of the means of sustaining himself in the water, and of reaching safety from the water, must in all circumstances of emergency have at least a chance of survival. The ideal, in which the Government must be prepared to assist, is that all members of the community should be taught swimming early in life. But with summer weather approaching, and the prospect that the rivers and beaches may be more crowded than usual, since the existence of petrol restrictions will curtail other forms of holidaymaking, the immediate need is to impress the public with a constant sense of the hazards both of bathing and boating. It should not require to be emphasised that care on the part of parents, and the use of ordinary common-sense by those who seek recreation in or on the water, are the first requisites in preventing needless and surely avoidable losses of life.